Residents at loggerheads over fibre installation
BLOUBASRAND – Some of the residents believe that installation of fibre will decrease the value of their properties.
BLOUBOSRAND – Residents in Bloubasrand are fed up about the installation of fibre network cables in the suburb and complained that they were not consulted before poles and wires were put up along the streets.
One of the residents, Enoch Phiri complained that the manner in which the cables were installed is compromising the suburb and decreasing the value of the properties.
“The value of our area is already damaged by a squatter camp. I have hoped that my property was the only investment that I have for my children,” Phiri said.
He said the installation of overhead telephone lines would not be beneficial to all the residents.
“I believe overhead lines will devalue our properties and why is Bloubosrand the only area receiving overhead lines?” asked Phiri.
He explained that it would have been better if the fibre optic cables had been installed underground, as in all other suburbs.
Read: Fibre-optics, at what cost?
Dave Fischer, chief operations officer from Fibrehoods, the company installing fibre to the home in the suburb, said they always engage the area’s residents’ associations or ward councillors first to ensure awareness and support. Fischer said the company communicated with the Bloubasrand Residents’ Association and various other complex body corporates and managing agents to discuss the individual network rollouts within their complexes.
“In Bloubosrand, we have not received any complaints on-site from residents, but have rather had residents asking when the fibre will be live?” he said.
One of the residents’ association’s directors, Yannick Algrain confirmed that the association had been in communication with Fibrehoods and indicated that residents did approve the installation.
“Every single resident received the pamphlets. We have also advertised on social media seeking permission through Facebook and community WhatsApp groups,” Algrain said.
Also read: Residents should vote for fibre optics
Ward 115 councillor Matome Mafokwane, however, said he was caught by surprise when one of the residents started to complain. He said that no one from Fibrehoods engaged with him or sought his participation.
“I was never introduced or at least informed about this project,” Mafokwane said.
Details: Ward 115 councillor Matome Mafokwane 084 854 4950; Fibrehoods 010 020 1775.
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